The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, completed an official visit to Australia from February 16–19, aimed at advancing India-Australia defence cooperation and strengthening strategic alignment, according to the Indian Army. During his visit, General Dwivedi engaged extensively with senior Australian Defence Forces leadership to review existing bilateral initiatives and explore ways to expand army-to-army collaboration. Key discussions focused on increasing the scale and complexity of joint exercises, enhancing professional military education exchanges, and promoting greater interoperability between the two forces.

In Sydney, he met with leaders of Forces Command (FORCOMD), Special Operations Command (SOCOMD), and the 2nd Division of the Australian Army, exchanging perspectives on operational readiness, training methodologies, and evolving military concepts. Particular emphasis was placed on the bilateral Army Exercise AUSTRAHIND, with both sides committing to enrich the next edition in India in 2026.

In Canberra, General Dwivedi was welcomed with a ceremonial Guard of Honour and held in-depth discussions with Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army. Drawing on their shared experience as alumni of the US Army War College (Class of 2015), the Chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to institutional linkages and expanding cooperation. A roundtable at Australian Defence Forces Headquarters reviewed force modernization, emerging technologies, and future operational environments.

The COAS also addressed officers at the Australian Command and Staff College and met with leadership at the Australian Defence College, emphasizing adaptive leadership, joint operations, and multinational cooperation in addressing contemporary security challenges. He held high-level meetings with the Chief of Defence Forces, the Defence Secretary, and reviewed Australia’s integrated operational framework at Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), gaining insights into joint planning and execution.

The visit included a wreath-laying at the Australian War Memorial to honor fallen soldiers and reflect on the shared legacy of service between the two nations. General Dwivedi also met with Indian defence veterans in Australia, reinforcing ties between the Indian Armed Forces and its global veteran community. The statement noted that the visit has invigorated India-Australia defence relations, strengthened professional ties at the highest military levels, and highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.